Mittens for Christmas Why I love Christmas in the UK Christmas in the White City

Mittens for Christmas
by Firefly

I was talking about the Christmas Holidays with a fellow Plaza Member who has had snow dumped on her in the last week, which makes me quite jealous really because it is sweltering over here in Australia. I would just about donate one of my copies of Lord of the Rings to be bundled up in winter gear instead of standing out with the sun bearing down on me. I’d like to wear mittens since they look cool – if not rather difficult to handle things with – but still, they’re mittens!

Yet even being so far away on the other side of the world, the culture is somewhat similar with shops displaying Christmas decorations everywhere and green, white, and red being the prime colors. A regular Christmas for me does not involve turkey or other baked goods. Who wants to stand in a stinking hot kitchen when it is 30 degrees Celsius in the shade? Not I.

Prawns at the beach, cold lemonade, and Christmas Crackers are the go. Watching cricket on Boxing Day – on the tele of course because it is too hot to go into the MCG, and the trip to the fridge is far cheaper than having to buy drinks at the game. Not to mention you see more on the box than in the stands.

Yet I must admit that I do not know a great deal about other cultures or how they celebrate their own traditions, one thing I do know is that family is a major component to any Holiday celebration, regardless of the faith. Family is important to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live.

Yet I still would like some mittens for Christmas.

Mittens for Christmas Why I love Christmas in the UK Christmas in the White City

Why I love Christmas in the UK
by Synd

I can put my decorations up in November and sulk for days when people tactfully hint that I should take them down by the end of March.

Christmas Trees! I love decorating a tree and have a complex system and order of precedence which dictate when and where the tinsel, lights, baubles and other decorations can be placed. When else can you get away with being so nitpicky without everyone complaining?

Lights! I’ll admit it, I’m one of those sad people that love houses coated in Christmas lights and decorations. I actually applaud houses where the owners have really pushed the boat out. My only saving grace is that I don’t actually cover my own house in lights.

Snow. I love snow, and my Christmas wish every single year is for a White Christmas. The perfect image in my head is of sipping hot chocolate, curled up in a comfy chair in front of a roaring fire whilst snowflakes whirl past the window. Now may be a good time to mention that I have never actually done this, but hey, a girl can dream.

Christmas food. I have one word for you – yummmm! It’s just not Christmas if you aren’t so full that you have to be rolled away from the table after the meal.

Crackers. Personally I usually find crackers extremely disappointing, never having got a toy in them that I actually like, and the jokes are usually too terrible to be true. But for some reason I can’t imagine Christmas without them. Note to self – investigate the mysterious mind-control powers of crackers.

Books. Being a keen devourer of books I of course have several that it is my solemn duty to read each year. The first of which is a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. There’s just something about curling up with a Christmas book that gets you in the festive mood.

Last but not least – presents! Any excuse to shower me with gifts is definitely alright with me!

Mittens for Christmas Why I love Christmas in the UK Christmas in the White City

Christmas in the White City
by Catran

Winter has hit the White City, bringing the holiday festivities in tow. Kicking off the celebrations this season were Arteris and Findy, who after many months finally convinced Yuldar B. Lossen to open his Inn for all. Some may ask why this old Inn was so highly sought after for a celebration such as this, but the large open area in the alleyway leads some to suspect that snow will not only be falling from the skies but also from the hands of cheerful Gondorians. Though many may fall victim to over exuberant snowballs, participants as well as innocent bystanders, the warmth of the fire inside the Inn is enough of a consolation to ensure everyone enjoys the evening.

For those who do not wish to venture out into the cold, or perhaps prefer their surprises not in the form of snowballs, the Cultural Committee has instituted a Secret Gift Exchange. Hosted by Lomin House, this special event will ensure that the joy of the season is spread out to the masses. All who sign up will not only receive a gift in return but also the chance to enjoy the harsh environment otherwise known as the Marketplace during the gift-giving season. While the crowds may be brutal, the money in your pocket perhaps too short in supply, and the selection a bit picked over – it all seems well worth it once you’ve finally found the perfect gift.